The Saskatchewan Health Authority says rumors of fines for health care staff who do not get the COVID-19 vaccine are false. The SHA says they have heard from staff and the public about a memo seemingly from the health authority which says re: COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy and includes claims of fines for unvaccinated staff. The SHA says the vaccine rollout strategy does not include mandatory vaccination nor fines for staff not complying.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 vaccine priority being given to health care workers is welcome news for the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. President Tracy Zambory says it’s essential for health care workers who face COVID-19 every day to get this vaccine. She says the front line of defence needs to have that important tool to be safe when looking after COVID patients. Zambory also stresses that just because this vaccine is on the way doesn’t mean the pandemic is over, adding people still need to follow public health orders such as wearing a mask to limit the spread of COVID-19. (CKRM/vmf)